Arts & Entertainment
Oscars 2020 surprises with diversity, a queer opening
From Monae and Porter, Judy and Elton
The 92nd annual Academy Awards started off with a bang, with gender fluid, pansexual singer/actress Janelle Monae and the illustrious gay actor/singer Billy Porter killing it in their opening duet. Amid performers dressed as characters from snubbed films, she sang: “It’s time to come alive, because the Oscars is so white!”
Watching the extraordinary Monae perform, the influence of Prince on her music is evident. “I’m so proud to stand here as a black, queer artist, telling stories,” she noted.
Another highlight during the evening was the eloquent Joaquin Phoenix, accepting his award for Best Actor in “The Joker.”
“I’ve been thinking a lot about some of the distressing issues that we are facing, collectively, and I think at times we feel or are made the feel that we champion different causes,” he asserted. “But for me, I see commonality,”
Phoenix continued: “I think whether we’re talking about gender inequality, or racism or queer rights or indigenous rights or animal rights, we’re talking about the fight against injustice. We’re talking about the fight against the belief that one nation, one people, one race, one gender or one species has the right to dominate, control and use and exploit another with impunity.”
Renee Zellweger, who won Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland in the film Judy, was circumspect in her acceptance about Judy’s iconic stature in the gay community, mentioning only that Judy was accepting of people. It was evident though she had intended a more full inclusion.
“Judy Garland did not receive this honor in her time,” the actress continued. “I am certain that this moment is an extension of the celebration of her legacy that began on our film set and is also representative of the fact that her legacy of unique exceptionalism and inclusivity and generosity of spirit, it transcends any one artistic achievement. Ms. Garland, you are certainly among the heroes who unite and define us and this is certainly for you. I am so grateful.”
GLAAD live-tweeted the awards
“@TaikaWaititi, who won adapted screenplay tonight at #Oscars, is next going into an adaptation of the documentary “Next Goal Wins” about the Samoan soccer team who made history. And then into “Thor: Love and Thunder” where Valkyrie will “find her queen.”
Elton John Wins!
Elton John was excited to win Best Song for “Rocketman,” the film that’s based on his life.
“This is for my partner of 53 years,” he said in the pressroom. “Without him, I wouldn’t be here. He starts the process. He gives me the lyrics, and then I go ahead. Without the lyrics, I’m nobody. This is the man who started the journey, and we are still together after 53 years. I have one of these already, but I so wanted to get one for everybody involved in the film.”
He added: This film has taken 12 years together. David, my husband, has been on and on about 12 years trying to get this made. In the end, we got it made the right way, the way we wanted to. I’m so thrilled for him, because I love him so much. And Taron Egerton especially — he should have been in the the nominated category, as one of the best actors. For me, his was the best performance this year.”
At Elton John’s annual AIDS fundraiser for his foundation, celebrity chef Wayne Elias, one-half of the team behind Crumble Catering and Rockwell Table & Stage in Los Feliz, was hard at work creating amazing, unique dishes for party attendees.
“We keep the menu current to healthy trends; I like to include Asian and French Cuisines and consider them classic meals that will also exist,” Chef Elias told Los Angeles Blade.
“In order to create a menu that encompasses every guest, I do not use any nuts in any of the dishes, in case of an allergy and source the best ingredients and produce from local farmers in California,” Elias said.
There were some fun items for the party menu, like zucchini fritters with tahini yogurt and espellette oil for starters, following with a parsnip and Granny Smith apple soup, a vegan option.
“We served a soup that is topped off with kale chips and lemon zest oil,”said Elias. “Guests could choose between a roasted branzino with cauliflower puree and watercress emulsion entree or short rib with caramelized yams, celery root mash, beech mushrooms and dijon shallot sauce.”
An arugula salad served with manchego cheese and citrus vinaigrette, while a pear raspberry tart with pear mousse, raspberry cream and matcha ice cream finishes off the dinner.
Elias knows he must serve Elton John’s very favorite dishes . “Top of the list is the beloved Grilled Cheese, a favorite throughout the years. It’s what I call an Adult Grilled Cheese, as it’s prepared on raisin bread and served with mascarpone cheese, crumble blue cheese and Asian pears. Simply rich and delicious!”
On The Carpet
Gay celebrity stylist Michael O’Connor talked with Los Angeles Blade about all the Oscar red carpet excitement. “I am loving the richness of color; the jewel tones are always the most flattering to skin tones and striking to see. Examples of this are in Sigourney Weaver wearing emerald green, America Ferrera in garnet and Idina Menzel in fuchsia. Christy Metz also looked incredible in ruby red.”
O’Connor loved how glamorous the red carpet was. “I loved Salma Hayek with her Grecian Goddess inspired look, complete with a bejeweled laurel hair ornament. Rebel Wilson looked SO exquisite. I really enjoyed her swept over hair with jeweled clip. Jason Woo gown and Vintage Pomellato jewelry.”
Many of the male celebrities at the Oscars were a fantastic sight to see too. “I thought Spike Lee looked great wearing his amethyst and golden tux. We are starting to see more jewelry on men, lapel pins being a very popular trend on the red carpet. Antonio Banderas is wearing a really nice ‘man brooch,’ O’Connor enthused.
The veteran stylist is thrilled that Hollywood in embracing more jewelry. “I love the bling; it adds so much glamor and completes a look. We are also seeing a lot more necklaces, which I really like. Julia Louis Dreyfus is wearing a lovely statement necklace. And Janelle Monae was so amazingly sparkly with her bejeweled dress and choker necklace. I LOVED the look!”
Still, O’Connor did see a few fashion faux pas. “I have to say, that as a gay man, Billy Porter’s outfit is so over the top that it makes me nervous. I realize that the pendulum sometimes needs to be pushed hard to get it into a right place, but I feel that his golden bird feather top and patterned skirt is just too contrived and over the top.
“I know that men’s fashion needs a push, but don’t push it off the cliff!” O’Connor quipped.
Gift Bags
Distinctive Assets indulged the major Oscar® nominees with the annual “Everyone Wins” Nominee Gift Bags, which have become the most buzzed about swag in history. This year’s gift bonanza features Soma’s Sensuous Silk Kimono Robes along with SOMAINNOFIT™ smart-fit bra; a one-of-a-kind private in-home cannabis-infused chocolate culinary experience by Coda Signature; gold and silver signature Moon bead bracelets from Officina Bernardi; health, nutrition and longevity programs from ProLon; and a discovery voyage aboard the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse expedition yacht.
“One of the greatest joys in life is to do something you love,” said Lash Fary, the company’s gay owner. “I have been so fortunate to do just that for 21 years now. In recent years, I have been able to use my access to talent and brand relationships to help organizations doing good in the world to amplify their messages.”
Fary loves to have gifts for celebrities that give back in meaningful ways. “I am able to publicize PETA’s incredible efforts to increase awareness about the connection between animal agriculture and climate change, through partnerships with DIFF Charitable Eyewear and Veestro Plant-Based Meals.”
So much detail goes into creating these gift bags, Fary said. “I often feel like a kid in my own candy store, as i go through the gift bags my team creates. I genuinely use and love so many of the items I share …like the ProLon fasting mimicking meal program, Instytutum Result Driven Skincare, Flora Farms field to table restaurant in Cabo, and Soma’s Sensuous Silk Kimono Robe.”
One of the exciting items in Fary’s gift bag is Origin Stretch Spa, which is owned by a gay couple, and are gifting a day of pampering.
“I’m excited to participate in the ‘Everyone Wins” Nominee Gift Bags because it gives me the opportunity to educate even more people about the benefits of IV Therapy,” said owner Garrett BellRios.
“Actors – much like athletes and performers – are always on the go and their systems get run down, BellRios noted. “They’re not getting enough sleep, working too much, always on airplanes and breathing recycled air. Through IV Therapy and vitamin injections, I can customize their protocol using European homeopathic remedies and treat their specific symptoms. So many of my clients now tell me, ‘I haven’t been sick in ages.’ And my treatment is mobile, can be done anywhere and they often feel better immediately.”
Oscar Gifting Lounges
Doris Bergman’s 12th Annual Valentine Oscar Luxury Lounge & Party was held at Weho hotspot, Fig & Olive. There were lots of great gifts to choose from BeautyStat Cosmetics, Precious Vodka, BuyWine.com, Pachamama, My Saint My Hero, Twisted Silver and Appletinis.
In the spirit of giving back, guests and sponsors made monetary donations and/or donated unwrapped gifts for young adults (ages 13-18) for a Gift Drive benefiting ‘Wednesday’s Child’ — a weekly segment airing on KTTV FOX 11 News with anchor Christine Devine. Bergman always invites beloved foster children to join in on the festivities and experience what it feels like to be treated as a VIP.
Shann Christen, celebrity stylist and owner of a hair loss clinic and full service salon and ColorBar on Westwood Blvd, gifted his biology based, dual shampoo system, BioMethod.
“It was exciting to meet all the celebrities at this years event. Any day is a good day when you get your photo taken with Richard Grieco! Miles Tagtmeyer never fails to be charming and it was fun to do ‘boomerangs with the Social Media Guru.”
Business and lifestyle influencer and ambassador in the LGBTQ space, Chad Brittian, was happy to meet all the vendors attending. “I was quite impressed with the diversity and overall inclusion of brands. There were quite a few companies that I could see myself aligning with on an influencer branding basis.”
True Gold Honey’s line of all/natural honey was delicious and packaged in a beautifully designed and well-branded wooden box, Brittian noted. “No attention to detail was missed which I can really appreciate from a branding and marketing perspective. I also received a warm welcome from Bio Method and can appreciate the time, energy and passion Shann has for his products. I am thoroughly looking forward to a collaboration with his brand in the future.”
At GBK Productions, Brittian met Dapper & Dashing custom clothing for men and women. “They had a beautifully designed area that was welcoming and really showcased their brand. I am hopeful to partner with them for future events and I definitely can see a lot if potential and look forward to seeing how this brand grows.”
Owned by a gay couple, John Kelly Chocolates also had a great time at the GBK gifting suite. “We have a fairly large celebrity clientele, being located in Hollywood, and it was nice to see some people who already know about us as well as make some new friends,” Kelly said.
At the suite, they gifted the 8-pc assortment box filled with their most popular flavors, inviting celebs to come visit them at their chocolate factory. “Our chocolate really is unique and has something special, and it was fun seeing celebrities have that visceral reaction when they tasted it.”
She Phillips, who owns Scenterprises, gifted numerous celebrities her unique perfumes. “Marcus Gay Harden chose a Woodsy and Spicy perfume and was excited by the combination of these lovely scents. I love this one as it has a hint of exotic spices.. soft…alluring and proactive”!
Photos
PHOTOS: Montgomery County Pride in the Plaza
LGBTQ celebration held in downtown Silver Spring
Montgomery County Pride in the Plaza was held on Sunday, June 29 at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Md.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The fifth annual Fredericksburg Pride march and festival was held on Saturday, June 28. A march through the streets of downtown Fredericksburg, Va. was followed by a festival at Riverfront Park.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
India
Anaya Bangar challenges ban on trans women in female cricket teams
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar’s daughter has received support
Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has partnered with the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport in the U.K. to assess her physiological profile following her gender-affirming surgery and undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
From January to March 2025, the 23-year-old underwent an eight-week research project that measured her glucose levels, oxygen uptake, muscle mass, strength, and endurance after extensive training.
The results, shared via Instagram, revealed her metrics align with those of cisgender female athletes, positioning her as eligible for women’s cricket under current scientific standards. Bangar’s findings challenge the International Cricket Council’s 2023 ban on transgender athletes in women’s cricket, prompting her to call for a science-based dialogue with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the ICC to reform policies for trans inclusion.
“I am talking with scientific evidence in my hand,” Bangar said in an interview posted to her Instagram page. “So, I hope, this makes an impact and I will be hoping to BCCI and ICC talking with me and discussing this further.”
On Nov. 21, 2023, the ICC enacted a controversial policy barring trans women from international women’s cricket. Finalized after a board meeting in Ahmedabad, India, the regulation prohibits any trans player who has experienced male puberty from competing, irrespective of gender-affirming surgery or hormone therapy. Developed through a 9-month consultation led by the ICC’s Medical Advisory Committee, the rule aims to safeguard the “integrity, safety, and fairness” of women’s cricket but has drawn criticism for excluding athletes like Canada’s Danielle McGahey, the first trans woman to play internationally. The policy, which allows domestic boards to set their own rules, is slated for review by November 2025.
Bangar shared a document on social media verifying her participation in a physiological study at the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, conducted from Jan. 20 to March 3, 2025, focused on cricket performance. The report confirmed that her vital metrics — including hemoglobin, blood glucose, peak power, and mean power — aligned with those of cisgender female athletes. Initially, her fasting blood glucose measured 6.1 mmol/L, slightly above the typical non-diabetic range of 4.0–5.9 mmol/L, but subsequent tests showed it normalized, reinforcing the study’s findings that her physical profile meets female athletic standards.
“I am submitting this to the BCCI and ICC, with full transparency and hope,” said Bangar. “My only intention is to start a conversation based on facts not fear. To build space, not divide it.”
In a letter to the BCCI and the ICC, Bangar emphasized her test results from the Manchester Metropolitan University study. She explained that the research aimed to assess how hormone therapy had influenced her strength, stamina, hemoglobin, glucose levels, and overall performance, benchmarked directly against cisgender female athletic standards.
Bangar’s letter to the BCCI and the ICC clarified the Manchester study was not intended as a political statement but as a catalyst for a science-driven dialogue on fairness and inclusion in cricket. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing empirical data over assumptions to shape equitable policies for trans athletes in the sport.
Bangar urged the BCCI, the world’s most influential cricket authority, to initiate a formal dialogue on trans women’s inclusion in women’s cricket, rooted in medical science, performance metrics, and ethical fairness. She called for the exploration of eligibility pathways based on sport-specific criteria, such as hemoglobin thresholds, testosterone suppression timelines, and standardized performance testing. Additionally, she advocated for collaboration with experts, athletes, and legal advisors to develop policies that balance inclusivity with competitive integrity.
“I am releasing my report and story publicly not for sympathy, but for truth. Because inclusion does not mean ignoring fairness, it means measuring it, transparently and responsibly,” said Bangar in a letter to the BCCI. “I would deeply appreciate the opportunity to meet with you or a representative of the BCCI or ICC to present my findings, discuss possible policy pathways, and work towards a future where every athlete is evaluated based on real data, not outdated perceptions.”
Before her transition, Bangar competed for Islam Gymkhana in Mumbai and Hinckley Cricket Club in the U.K., showcasing her talent in domestic cricket circuits. Her father, Sanjay Bangar, was a dependable all-rounder for the Indian national cricket team from 2001 to 2004, playing 12 test matches and 15 One Day Internationals. He later served as a batting coach for the Indian team from 2014 to 2019, contributing to its strategic development.
Cricket in India is a cultural phenomenon, commanding a fanbase of more than 1 billion, with more than 80 percent of global cricket viewership originating from the country.
The International Cricket Council, the sport’s governing body, oversees 12 full member nations and more than 90 associate members, with the U.S. recently gaining associate member status in 2019 and co-hosting the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The BCCI generated approximately $2.25 billion in revenue in the 2023–24 financial year, primarily from the Indian Premier League, bilateral series, and ICC revenue sharing. The ICC earns over $3 billion from media rights in India alone for the 2024–27 cycle, contributing nearly 90 percent of its global media rights revenue, with the BCCI receiving 38.5 percent of the ICC’s annual earnings, approximately $231 million per year.
Women’s cricket in India enjoys a growing fanbase, with over 300 million viewers for the Women’s Premier League in 2024, making it a significant driver of the sport’s global popularity. The International Cricket Council oversees women’s cricket in 12 full member nations and over 90 associate members, with the U.S. fielding a women’s team since gaining associate status in 2019 and competing in ICC events like the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers. The BCCI invests heavily in women’s cricket, allocating approximately $60 million annually to the WPL and domestic programs in 2024–25, while contributing to the ICC’s $20 million budget for women’s cricket development globally. India’s media market for women’s cricket, including WPL broadcasting rights, generated $120 million in 2024, accounting for over 50 percent of the ICC’s women’s cricket media revenue.
“As a woman, I feel when someone says that they are women, then they are, be trans or cis. A trans woman is definitely the same as a cis woman emotionally and in vitals, and specially, when someone is on hormone replacement therapy. Stopping Anaya Bangar from playing is discrimination and violation of her rights. It is really sad and painful that every trans woman need to fight and prove their identity everywhere,” said Indrani Chakraborty, an LGBTQ rights activist and a mother of a trans woman. “If ICC and BCCI is stopping her from playing for being transgender, then I will say this to be their lack of awareness and of course the social mindsets which deny acceptance.”
Chakraborty told the Blade that Bangar is an asset, no matter what. She said that the women’s cricket team will only benefit by participation, but the discriminating policies are the hindrance.
“Actually the transgender community face such discrimination in every sphere. In spite of being potent, they face rejection. This is highly inhuman. These attitudes is regressive and will never let to prosper. Are we really in 2025?,” said Chakraborty. “We, our mindset and the society are the issues. We, as a whole, need to get aware and have to come together for getting justice for Anaya. If today, we remain silent, the entire community will be oppressed. Proper knowledge of gender issues need to be understood.”
The BCCI and the International Cricket Council have not responded to the Blade’s repeated requests for comment.
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